When Buying Online, Shipping Time Is Important

When you buy online, you have to build in shipping time when you begin shopping for an event. Take Valentine’s Day for example. It seems so far away. But in reality, it is only about 6 weeks off. And, there is that shipping time to consider.

This is the time to begin bookmarking or otherwise noting the things you are thinking about getting for those on your gift list. But what to get? You can easily go to Etsy.com and search Valentine’s Day. You will get an unbelievable list of hits - almost 200,000, in fact. That can be enough to make you quit shopping. 

For now, here are a few ideas from my own shop, In a day or so, I’ll do a treasury or two from other shops to help you narrow down your choices. Etsy treasuries give you 16 different ideas in almost one glance - it definitely can kick-start you into the right direction.

Time flies - don’t wait until it’s too late.    

DIY Valentine Projects - Heart Paper Clips & Bookmarks

The last post of this series features a truly simple project: heart paper clips which can easily be used as bookmarks. There is always someone who pops into our minds at the last minute on a holiday and clips and bookmarks are something anyone can use.

Although there's not much to this tutorial because of the simplicity of the idea, you'll get some tips and ideas about how to bend them. Go to HowAboutOrange, at this link.

This is another one of those ideas that is great all year round. They'd be great to give with paperbacks to somebody who is home-bound or in the hospital.

If you want a cute way to give these, go to my earlier post about a printable gift box.

This is the last of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

DIY Valentine Projects - Quick & Easy Heart Pin

This really quick and easy heart pin might save the day for you for a last minute gift tomorrow. Most crafters reading this will have some or all of the supplies on hand and won't even need to go out for them. The technique is similar to the one we've all see around Christmas - the lace covered candy canes.

The tutorial is over at CraftsForAllSeasons, at this link.

Karen's tutes are always well detailed. The photos are crisp and clear and easy to follow.

I love this and will probably even use this for gifts for special ladies throughout the year, not just for this coming holiday. It is very pretty and even women and girls who do not like "fussy" trims will love this one.

We only have one day left and tomorrow's post, being on Valentine's Day itself, will be posted early in the morning for anyone who needs something REALLY fast for last minute token gifts.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Even More Printable V-Day Cards

You can never have enough cards to choose from when you are searching for the "right" one. This is especially true of Valentine cards. Even though I shared a site with you yesterday, here is one more site for free printable cards and this one has at least 150 to choose from.

This great collection is here at this link.

All are free to download and print.

If you want to customize them, there is a small fee.

Scroll down the left sidebar for the categories. You can choose from Love, Friendship and Kids. They even have special cards with Robots and/or Animals on them. The art work varies from cartoon-type to lovely art.

Between last night's post and tonight's, you can avoid the crowds in the card department of the stores for last minute choices. This is perfect if you don't have the time to spend outside.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of DIY Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Tons of Printable Valentine Cards

Be sure to check this one out and bookmark it for the card we all need at the last minute. Tonight's site has a special area with over 8 pages of designs to pick from so you are sure to find the right card for the right person. Even better, you print them at home - quick and easy. Be sure to read this post all the way through to understand how this site works.

The page with the free printable Valentine cards is here at this link.

They are not in any particular order so be sure to check all the way through so you will not miss the perfect card for a special person.

They range all the way from cards for kids to send to kids, cards that are funny and some that are pun-ny, all the way from sweet and sentimental to deep and loving.

Although they are all free, be sure to read the page when you choose your card(s). Some already have the sentiments printed on them. Most of these you just hit Print. You do not download these. To get the capability of either adding your own text to some of the cards, or to download, you need to pay a small annual fee and join the site. It's well worth it but you need to know that this is an option. There are dozens that can be printed directly and without a fee.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - 4 Heart-y Entrees for V-Day

Ok, here are 4 different Valentine entrees for lunch or dinner to make the day special. None require special ingredients. They are all easy to make. I'll list them all separately and give the link to each tutorial. Skim through the post at each link and make the one(s) you find best suited to your household.

First we have cute little heart-shaped pepperoni pieces for a Valentine pizza. The post is over at OneCharmingParty at this link. Brittany is a party planner and has four kids so you can be sure that whatever she posts is reasonably quick and easy. What a cute way to make the day special for everyone at home without going crazy doing it. This is great for any pizza lover in the household.

Next we have a cute no-cook lunch idea which includes quite a few items from various food groups. Check it out at CreativeFood over at this link. Michelle made a nice arrangement for her photo. The center, large heart is a sandwich with a upside-down twist. The corner hearts are a unique arrangement of fruit and treats. Wait until you find out how she made the letters for the middle heart - very creative and fun and easy. Scroll along the right side and click on the Feb. posts for two other ideas. Just because Michelle made these for a youngster doesn't mean adults wouldn't enjoy it, too!

Then we have cute heart-shaped pita pizzas. How different is that? This post is found at KitchenFunWithMy3Sons at this link. Again, just because these Moms made them for, or with, kids, does not mean adults will not get a kick out of them as well. Jill gives complete instructions for making and baking (quick) these plus tips on variations for the trimmings. Here is another blogger with a unique idea for the words on the hearts - a really cute idea.

The last one is a bit more involved, heart-shaped chicken parmesan, but I added it for those of you who truly enjoy cooking. The instructions are over at HungryHappenings at this link. Beth offers complete details and photos for everything from cutting the chicken, soaking it, breading easily, and even cutting the topping and dealing with the extra presentation touches. It really isn't hard if you follow her directions. Just read it first and allow yourself the needed time. This is some-thing special for some-one very special.

The first three projects were each found in one of my daily e-newsletters from CraftGossip.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Woven Heart Basket for Treats or Gifts

We're down to the wire for making gifts for V-day. This one is labeled a Christmas ornament but I really think it's a great idea for tucking in small gifts like coins, cash, candy or jewelry. Read through this post for my own efforts on making these.

I found this on HomemadeGiftsMadeEasy at this link. Stephanie's instructions are easy to follow. And it is quick and easy to make and have ready to stuff with fun goodies.

It's even cute enough to give just by itself!

I can see this filled with little pieces of paper with the things that are special about the recipient. Or fill it with pieces of paper with your loving wishes for that person.

I did a fast "let me try this" while typing this post. I used an 8-1/2x11 sheet of paper, which was off, dimension-wise. However, it was definitely good enough for me to get the hang of it. As she says, the first one is tricky finagling with the weaving, but hey, I did it! I wanted to get an idea of the finished size. These are roomier than I expected - mine is a tad smaller by perhaps half an inch, but it measures about 6" across the widest at the top, and about 6" deep, roughly. You can stuff a LOT of stuff into this "basket." I am definitely making a bunch of these, this weekend!!!

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Valentine Candles

How is this for a really quick and easy way to turn a simple candle into something special for Heart-Day? I like this idea of inserting the candle into a glass receptacle and then surrounding it with heart-shaped candies. Tanya's post offers two suggestions on what to use as fillers, ideas for the glass containers, and how to use this idea for special gifts or centerpieces all year long.

I found the tutorial over on MommyGoggles at this link.

The instructions are very brief because this is very uncomplicated. We are close to Valentine's Day now so I'm focusing on quick-and-easy projects.

This would make a lovely gift for anyone. You might even have some suitable glass bowls that have been sitting around quietly just waiting for this this idea. Even an abandoned goldfish bowl would work, I'm sure.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Chocolate Kiss Rosebuds

Couldn't pass this one up when I was browsing CraftsForAllSeasons for yesterday's post. These rosebuds are so beautiful. Keep this one marked so you can use it also for Mother's Day, birthdays, and any special day all year long.

Karen's tutorials are always clear and explicit. As clumsy as I am with cellophane, this uses so little that I think I can make rosebuds as pretty as hers.

The link for the tutorial is here.

Even though we don't usually think of giving roses to the guys, I can't imagine any fella on our lists who would pass up chocolate kisses.

Yep, this one's a keeper.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Painted Thumbprint Hearts on Tees

Ooooh, these are so cute. For someone like me who cannot cut a decent heart, using my thumbprint is a great idea. Karen's tutorial is really well-detailed. She explains clearly, in text and in photos, how to keep the surface smooth while you are printing the hearts. She also show two different ways you can place the thumbprints to create a different look each time.

This is probably the most unique way of making a well-shaped heart that I've ever seen.

The post and tutorial is over at CraftsForAllSeasons, at this link.

There is still plenty of time to do this on tees, totes, or any other fabric item for special people on your list. This is really easy and the supplies are not hard to find, especially at a craft store or department.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - 4 Sweet Heart Treats

Ok, here are 4 different Valentine treats that also make nice gifts. They are all reasonably easy to make. I'll list them all separately and give the link to each tutorial. Skim through the post at each link and make the one(s) you find best suited to your household or your gift list.

Please forgive the clumsy photo. This was my first attempt at putting 4 different photos together.

Conversation Bark is posted at TheDecoratedCookie at this link, and written by Meaghan. There is no baking required, just a microwave. The few ingredients needed are easy to find. This one's easy enough even for me to make. Aren't they cute?

Conversation Heart Pops is another cute tutorial and it is over at SweetSimpleStuff at this link. This one, too, doesn't require baking, just a little melting. Everything is easy to find at either your grocery store's baking section or at a craft shop. I love how Brenda rigged up a pop-drying rack from a plastic leftovers container.

Cupids Arrow Chocolates are really cute and found at JensOwnRoad at this link. They, too, do not require baking, just a little melting and cutting. Jen mentions at least three products you can use to make the red arrows, so be sure to read each brief paragraph completely or you'll miss the tips.

Heart Milk Cubes are the absolute easiest of the 4 treats and you can find the tutorial at ASubtleRevelry at this link. Be sure to scroll down when Victoria's page opens. At first, the photo appears to be blank - just keep going. Again, no baking. Are these great or what? These don't even require melting or any cooking at all. And they are so adorable. I can see these in everything from milk to hot chocolate or cold cereal. These are eventually frozen so they can't be shipped or carried long distances, but they are so cute for quickies.

All of these projects were found in my daily e-newsletters from CraftGossip.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Recycled Fridge Pen Holder

Like many projects I've featured here, this one can easily be adapted to Valentine's Day by just changing the colors to red tones. This is something that can also be given any time of the year, for many occasions that call for something quick, easy, thoughtful AND useful! As you've probably already guessed, this uses recycled paper tubes.

The very brief (it is very easy) tutorial is over here at SewAndDipity, at this link.

Make up a bunch of these with Valentine-themed paper and keep them handy for those moments when you think of someone who you want to cheer up on Heart-Day.

Use scrapbooking paper, crepe paper, or make and print something from your PC. According to one of the comments on Shelley's post, one of her visitors even used fabric.

You could put initials on it or anything else that suits you and/or your recipient.

This project was found in one of my daily e-newsletters from CraftGossip.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Conversation Heart Pie Pops

Aren't these cute? I don't like to do a lot of baking for a Valentine gift but these are so easy and they use convenience food products. They don't require a lot of effort and they are quick.

The tutorial is over at this link on KitchenFunWithMy3Sons.

Be sure to scroll down to the final photo of her toddler holding one. It gives you a better idea of the size.

The tutorial is easy to follow. I like that Jill mentions how many can be made from the different size cutters.

This project was found in one of my daily e-newsletters from CraftGossip.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Custom Printable Eye Chart for Framing

I really like this. I can easily see how this can be personalized for everyone on your list except the youngest. Although even the youngest can enjoy it as they grow up. Basically, you take some facts about your recipient and just keep rolling the words. This tutorial is over at TheCheeseThief, at this link.

Be sure to read the one she first made for herself and her husband. It begins with "The story of us..." and it tells how they met and it's very romantic. I can see someone doing this with a quote from their custom wedding vows. Or a quote from one of their fave movies or book or poem. As long as both of you know what it means to you, it's in.

For others, a Mom, Dad, siblings, kids, friends...there is no limit to what you can use, as long as it is something that is recognizable by both of you. Bible quotes, book quotes, a brief funny incident you both remember with a smile or laughter...

Rena did her first one by putting the first initial of their last name on the first line, then their last name, and went from there. I can see doing this with F on the first line and Friends on the second line as one choice. Or M for Mom or Mother and V on the first line and Valentine on the next line. You could use B and Bingo, and so on. There are all sorts of things we could do with this idea, not just for Valentine's Day but for all year long.

There are images of 3 different charts which will show you how different you can make these.

Rena includes two Word doc. templates that you can alter to suit yourself, color, word, and font-wise. However, you might be familiar enough with your own programs to use other software.

She gives some excellent tips on how to get the spacing to work and ways to "hide" spacing characters when fitting various lines.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Link is Fixed for Heart Clip Bookmarks

Thanks to a dear friend, Louise, I learned that the link was not working in my post for January 30th. Anyone who tried to access the tutorial linked in my post for DIY Valentine Projects - Heart Clips or Bookmarks can now click through without any trouble. My apologies, folks.

DIY Valentine Projects - Men's Heart Boxers & Other Uses

I found this one in a search on FaveCrafts. Although it features this technique for men's boxers, there's no reason you cannot use this technique on any other suitable fabric for totes, pillows, tees and tops and more.

The tutorial is here at this link. It's amazing what you can do these days with crafting supplies and products. This is an excellent example.

I know I just posted a gift for men this week, the etched shot glasses. However, just in case you need a little extra time to buy the shorts and do the work, I'm posting this one now.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Money Origami Heart

This money origami heart looks very complicated but the tutorial makes it look easy. I have got to try this tomorrow. It is too late to tackle it tonight. I found this over on HomemadeGiftsMadeEasy. The tutorial is at this link. If this one looks too complicated, scroll down on Stephanie's post for a link to a simpler version of a money origami heart.

The photos are especially well laid out and crisp. If you have trouble with still photo shots, they even have a video tutorial you can follow.

I really love this one. I have often known folks who hate it when they are given cash as a gift. But they love it when it is folded or presented in a unique way.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Heart Clips or Bookmarks

I realize that I have featured a bookmark once each week since I began this series. They are great little tuck-in gifts for anyone on a gift list. This is because they can be used for any kind of book including fiction, spiritual, text books, cook books, patterns, and more. This project does require a smidgeon of sewing but I think you'll agree it is so small an amount that almost anyone, including me, can do this much.

The tutorial is over at Mique's ThirtyHandmadeDays, at this link. Allison, a guest writer, also includes a file you can download for the little cards to go with them. Each of the four designs has different wording.

These can tuck into a card for mailing or giving, as well.

Although she uses a hot glue gun, I'm sure other adhesives would work as well if they claim to bond to felt.

This project was found in one of my daily e-newsletters from CraftGossip.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Etched Shot Glasses for Your Guy(s)

These are really pretty easy to make and you can definitely customize them to fit your favorite guy's interests. I found these over at FaveCrafts, at this link. The tutorial is easy to follow.

If you can cut or use a stencil, the etching method is pretty easy these days. Today's products have taken all the "complicated" out of the process.

I can picture these with just hearts for love, or with hearts, spades, diamonds and clubs for the card loving man. Any sport can be represented, of course. Even his initials would work!

For the partying couple or household, these are really great. I wish I had seen these and included them in my Christmas DIY series, but hey, at least we found them!

I did a search to find out how much the etching products run online. The cream is less than $10 plus S&H and the other tools run $30 on up to $125. Obviously, financially-challenged as I am, I would take the low road and use a brush and the cream. I am grateful that the tutorial offered all those options so folks can choose from high-end, high-tech tools for etching, or low-budget stuff for those of us who are beginners at this craft. I found the cream at Etchworld, by the way.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Woven Straw Hearts & Motifs

Small and simple as these are, I can easily see them used in many ways for your gift list. We posted earlier this month about Rena's origami heart corner bookmark and then I saw this and had to post this one, too. The link is here at TheCheeseThief.

Rena's tutorial is a video on YouTube and you'll have no trouble following the instructions.

In case you think these are too simple for gifts, she gives you an idea or two in her post as to how you might use them.

I'm also thinking they'd work as earrings (dangle or otherwise), key ring attachments for your guy, attachments to tie clips, magnets, and so much more. There's no limit to where these cuties will turn up.

So simple; so easy; so smart!

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.